CIMA's Islamic Finance Certificate to be offered in Arabic in partnership with TAGITraining

AME Info:CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) today announces its latest initiative in the development of qualifications in Islamic finance by signing a contract with the Jordan-based organisation TAGITraining to translate and deliver the CIMA Certificate in Islamic Finance in Arabic throughout the Arab speaking world.

This agreement highlights both organisations' commitment to provide the financial, business and government sectors with the skills and knowledge required in this rapidly growing market.

The contract was signed in Amman by CIMA's Director of Education, Robert Jelly, and Mustafa Nasereddin, Executive Director of TAGITraining.

TAGITraining is part of the Talal Abu-Ghazaleh Organisation (TAGO), the Arab Organisation for Global Professional Services, and will provide tuition and examining in its centres throughout the Arab Region.

The wide ranging contract also includes the translation and delivery of CIMA's Certificate in Business Accounting, CIMA's entry level qualification to its professional Chartered Management Accounting qualification, in Arabic.

Robert Jelly, CIMA's Director of Education said at the signing:

'This is an historic moment for CIMA as we offer the first of our qualifications in a language other than English. Islamic finance is a rapidly growing market and we have taken the lead in offering business and government the knowledge and skills necessary to meet demand through this qualification. Such has been the success of the English language version that we plan to launch further qualifications in Islamic Finance early in 2009.'

Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman of TAGO said at the signing: 'This is another step in our commitment to convert the Arab Region to a knowledge based society. It is taking place at an appropriate moment, as the world banking crisis has focused more and more interest on Islamic banking and finance. The Talal Abu-Ghazaleh College of Business within the German-Jordan University will also soon be offering an MBA specialising in Islamic finance.'

CIMA is the first chartered accountancy body to offer a global qualification in Islamic finance. The Islamic finance industry is thought to be worth between £150bn and £250bn, and is growing at an estimated rate of 15 to 20% per annum.